Penny the Raccoon and Big Bucks Bear’s Big Idea

Maplewood was a happy town where animals lived peacefully. But one day, news came that a sneaky weasel gang was hiding near the edge of the town. The animals were worried and wondered what they should do. Big Bucks Bear, who ran Maplewood Supply Company, had a plan. “We need strong walls and traps to keep the weasels out,” he said.

Big Bucks told the animals that, just like during the Cold Forest Standoff, they had to stay prepared and strong. Penny the Raccoon had another idea. “What if we try to befriend the weasels or help them find a place to live?” she asked. She reminded everyone that spending too much on defense could leave them without enough for themselves. But Big Bucks was persuasive and convinced Maplewood to use almost all of their savings to build walls.

Soon, Maplewood was pouring all its resources into Big Bucks’ projects. Penny noticed that things around town were falling apart. With so much money going to walls and gadgets, there was hardly anything left to fix schools, parks, or even make enough food! Penny gathered everyone and shared her plan. “Instead of building walls, let’s work together and share what we have,” she said.

The animals talked and realized the weasels just needed help, too. Penny and her friends invited the weasels to work and play together in Maplewood. Soon, they were all sharing the forest’s food and shelter. Big Bucks used his skills to help rebuild schools, parks, and homes. Maplewood was stronger when everyone worked together.